Prank Encounters: Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo responds to backlash over new prank show

'I just want to clear up a bit of confusion about the show'

Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo has issued a statement about his new Netflix show Prank Encounters, after a backlash over concern for the “victims” involved in the eight-episode series.

The synopsis for the show described playing “terrifying and hilarious pranks” on job seekers taking part in their first day.

Some were critical of the idea out of concern that it would mock people attempting to find employment.

However, both Netflix and Matarazzo have responded with statements to clarify how the show works, promising that everyone involved was paid for their time and “everybody was laughing and having a great time”.

Matarazzo, 16, posted his statement on Instagram during a press tour, where he said he wanted to address “some of the negativity that’s been surrounding the new prank show that I’m doing”.

“I think I just want to clear up a bit of confusion about the show,” he said. “I just want to let everybody know that those who participated were fully aware it was going to be a one-day gig going in, nobody was promised a part time or full time job, and everybody was compensated.”

“Those who did participate had an amazing time, although the pranks are scary and over the top and nothing has really been done like them before, everybody enjoyed them very, very much and when all was said and done, everybody was laughing and having a great time and everybody left the set happy and satisfied.”

He added: “I really, really appreciate your concern for these people and their well-being and we really hope that you have as much fun watching the show as we did making it. Thank you guys so, so much.”

In a similar statement issued earlier this week, Netflix said: “The pranks in Prank Encounters are spooky, supernatural, and over the top, and everyone had a great time.

“All participants came in with the expectation this was a one-day, hourly gig and everyone got paid for their time.”

Matarazzo stars in the third season of Stranger Things, which airs on Netflix on 4 July.